Widower hit with insane fee from cruise company after wife dies before prepaid trip

A Colorado man who recently lost his wife to cancer was just dealt yet another painful blow -- this time, a financial one.

Tom Ast reportedly received a hefty charge from Viking River Cruises because his beloved late wife, Marylyn, would no longer be able to go on the prepaid trip.

To be clear, Ast still planned to keep his own trip reservation -- same room, same excursions, same everything -- to honor a request made by Marylyn before she died.

According to Heidi Hemmat of the FOX31 Denver Problem Solvers, Marylyn told Ast on her death bed that no matter what happened, she still wanted him to go on the once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

While Ast says he was hesitant at first, he ultimately made the decision to go with his family and friends, who had also booked the trip, as a way to celebrate her life.

However, after Ast contacted Viking to inform them that his wife had died and, therefore, would not be going on the trip, he got hit with a $853 bill for 'rebooking fees' simply for asking to remove her name from the reservation.

Even worse, the company said that if he failed to pay the bill immediately, he would lose the money he already put down -- nearly $11,000.

"It's like kicking somebody when they're down on the ground. It's the lowest point in your life and they're trying to take advantage of you."
Tom Ast, Widower

After spending far too much time talking to customer service and making absolutely no progress, Ast sought the help of FOX31's Denver Problem Solvers to resolve the issue.

Unsurprisingly, he received a call the next day saying the issue had been resolved and that he would be refunded the $853.60.

Ast says that while it was never about the money, he was just happy to stand up for what's right, just like his wife would've done.

"I still wish Marylyn could have went with me," Ast told FOX31 while fighting back tears, "but I'm looking forward to it now."

Hopefully, the trip will be an incredible and meaningful experience for both Ast and his travel companions.